3. Entering a Tenancy

The moment you hand over money or sign a paper, you have entered a legal contract.

The Written Agreement

Never rely on a “handshake” deal. Even if you are renting from a friend, get a written Tenancy Agreement. If the landlord doesn’t provide one, use the BC Standard Tenancy Agreement.

Key Terms to Check

• • Rent Due Date: Usually the 1st of the month.
  • What’s Included: Ensure “Laundry,” “Parking,” or “Storage” are checked off if promised.
  • Late Fees: A landlord can only charge a late rent fee if it’s written in the agreement, and it cannot exceed $25.

The Roommate Trap

In BC, “Roommates” are different from “Tenants.”

• • Tenant: Your name is on the lease. You are protected by the RTA.
  • Roommate/Occupant: You pay rent to the tenant, not the landlord. You have no RTA protection. If the tenant leaves, you may have to leave too.

Credits: Curated by @TANets (A Resilient Housing Communities Project – YVR). Inspired by and adapted from the TRAC/Clicklaw Tenant Survival Guide under CC BY-NC-SA 2.5 CA.